Committee approves multiple public-health grants and appropriations for clinics, addiction services and prevention programs

The Orange County Health and Mental Health Committee on Tuesday approved a set of supplemental appropriations and grant acceptances to support clinic enhancements, addiction services and several public-health programs.

Lacey Turnbull, Commissioner of Social Services and Mental Health, described one item as “a request to supplemental appropriation of the New York State Office of Mental Health Funds into the Department of Mental Health's 2025 operating budget to support clinic enhancement.” She told the committee the $49,500 award — previously accepted under Resolution No. 100 of 2024 — was rolled forward because of delays in funding receipt and the RFP timeline. “These funds are specifically to add peer support services to our clinics,” Turnbull said, explaining that the money will support peer staff who help patients engage with clinic services after hospital discharge.

The committee also accepted $55,913 in targeted OASAS inflationary increases intended for addiction treatment, prevention and recovery programs; Turnbull listed local providers that will receive portions of the funds, including Community Bandwagon, Independent Living, Regional Economic Community Action Program (RECAP), the Orange County Council on Alcoholism (ADAC), Catholic…